Tennis players everywhere have felt the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. You may have arrived at the courts eager to play tennis, only to see padlocks or chains on the doors.
As things start to reopen, you might be eager to jump right back in to your regular tennis playing. But before you jump back in, take some time to prepare for a successful return. A successful return to tennis can mean a few different things, depending on your goals. Some of your goals might include:
- Staying in shape
- Getting in better shape
- Expanding your tennis skills
- Addressing a nagging injury
It’s important to be intentional and careful in your approach, no matter what your goal is.
Ease back into it
Make sure you know the best tips and tricks to help reduce your risk of injury and improve your performance.
- Proper warm up
- Aerobic Exercise
- Cross Training
- Correct workload
- Cool down and stretch
These elements will help ensure a safe and successful return to tennis. Read a detailed breakdown of these tips and tricks at our blog post titled “How to safely resume your sports and activities.”
Preparing for tennis
As you prepare with regular workouts and physical activity, make sure you incorporate tennis-specific exercises into your routine so you’re prepared to get back on the court when the time comes. Some ideas include:
- Check out the USTA’s list of online resources to help you improve your tennis skills, stay fit, and even sharpen your mental game. (Tennis at Home).
- YouTube an instructional video on your struggling overhead (or another area of your game you’re looking to improve)
- Hit against a wall
- Practice with a tennis rebound trainer
- See how many times you can bounce the ball on the strings of your racquet. For an added challenge, see how many times you can bounce it on the side of the racquet.
Set a goal for yourself. See if your teammates can beat your high score. Make it fun!
Tennis injury prevention and medical care
If you do experience back, shoulder, elbow or arm pain as you get back to tennis, reduce your amount of effort. If you need care, our orthopedic experts are also available for video visits.
USTA Update
The United States Tennis Association (USTA) is continually updating their COVID-19 recommendations to ensure safety and well-being to tennis players. Click the link to learn more about specific COVID safety guidelines while playing tennis (USTA Tennis COVID Safety Guidelines).
The USTA has also released their return to play timeline for adult and junior levels, specific to each region. Click the link for an updated timeline for the “Northern Section” (USTA Adult Return to Play) (USTA Junior Return to Play).